Part 2 — BUTTERFLIES
Reading edition
At sixteen years she knew no care; How could she, sweet and pure as light? And there pursued her everywhere Butterflies all white.
A lover looked. She dropped her eyes That glowed like pansies wet with dew; And lo, there came from out the skies Butterflies all blue.
Before she guessed her heart was gone; The tale of love was swiftly told; And all about her wheeled and shone Butterflies all gold.
Then he forsook her one sad morn; She wept and sobbed, "Oh, love, come back!" There only came to her forlorn Butterflies all black.
John Davidson [1857-1909]